two step.

These two people. I love them a lot. We traveled to Austin, TX together a couple of years ago for the Renegade Craft Fair. While we were lingering on a hillside one evening, waiting to see several hundred thousand bats (whole other story), I took a picture of their shoes (apparently I mainly take pictures of them that don’t show their faces). They both wear awesome shoes, and I loved how these particular pairs of shoes looked standing right next to each other. Their anniversary was coming up, and I flippantly thought “I’ll embroider the shoes and give it to them next month! It’ll be great!” Hubris. I did embroider the shoes, but it took me almost two years.

I took the original photograph, and converted it to a line drawing in Photoshop. Then I transferred it to linen and stitched it. A lot of it didn’t transfer very clearly – the plaid hardly came out at all, so most of that is free-handed and Shawn’s shoes aren’t as detailed as I’d planned. With Shana’s shoes, I had the advantage of having the same pair in my closet for reference. When it was finished, I steamed and starched it and stitched it onto a thin layer of cork, which I then glued onto a small painted bulletin board. Then I sent it off. It’s been a part of my days for a long time, and I kind of miss it; but not as much as I miss them. I love you guys, and I miss your shoes.

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I believe that jewelry tells a story. It can be a secret story, a reminder to yourself; it can be a story you tell to the world around you; it can be a costume or a talisman or a suit of armor. I love stories, and I love the challenge of translating an image or a narrative into a beautiful, wearable medium. I design and make jewelry using vintage and antique glass, hardware, metal and sterling silver. You can read my story here, and you can buy my work at the Leaves of Glass and urban legend links above.

Thank you, happy customers!

I love the colors in this necklace. Beautiful. The chain is also very dainty and elegant. Perfect for you or perfect for a gift! Vendor does such a wonderful job in putting colors together. Both for beauty and for whimsy.